Friday, November 9, 2007

Dear God,

What is happening??? Today you brought two college grandchildren to our home. Out of the blue they called to spend tonight and tomorrow with us. I never see them and yet, they want to come here. What are you doing?

I remember the days when the Hughes family used to gather at the family farm in Atlanta, Indiana. Uncles, aunts, cousins, grandma and grandpa. Sometimes as many as 40 of us. The noise level was high. And if you wanted to say anything you just had to say it aloud. If you waited, you would never get a chance.

We had the best eatin' at Grandma's. We used to hide pies from one another. Never did find a couple. We teased and laughed. Lot of hugs and affirmation. A smile would spread across my face the minute I knew we were going to grandma's. Even if it was a week later. So much fun. Memories, joyous memories.

My family, all arms of the family, the whole darn tree has given way over the last few years. Broken branches and limbs, weak, sickly parts rotting away, threatening to fall. But in the last two months you've sent out repairmen to help our tree. You've given us medicine, pruned and trimmed the dead places. You've sent out specialists who put a new kind of support to the really big limbs. You've shown us sprouts of new life. Our tree has some hope growing out of it. Doesn't look as threatening as it used to. There's a chance this tree's roots will grow again.

Our family is coming home, one and two at a time, a family, and another family member. And when we do come together something is happening. I see it, feel it, taste it.

We've already held one family reunion and cameras were clicking all the time. Hardly believing we were together again. My mother's side first. Then my dad's. Now my husband's. A baby step here, one there, then giant leaps. A family system healing? The virus now dead in some people, no longer a threat. Others watching, seeing the healing. Still on the sidelines, but talking. Mystified.

What can I say to you? Bits and pieces, just as you planned it, bits and pieces coming together in new ways. One and two, work a little here, see the joy, feel the love. This is your doing. I tried for years, got weary, couldn't do it anymore. Got angry, sad, forlorn. I knew what I was missing. I'd had the good life early on. I can still see the joy of grandma, a cousin, uncle or aunt standing at the door as we entered, welcoming us "home." We were family.

What more have you in store?

Gracious God,
you make me
a believer
every day.
You show me the way
when I've given up.
When I'm lost,
sad,
or swimming in self pity.
You carry me
to the miracle,
unveiling the wondrous glory.
Using the big erase,
erase the obstacles
that would hinder me
from joining in.
Speak to me,
make my inner voice
to sing your song,
display your gracious love.
Strengthen my inner parts,
I pray.

Love, Andrea